Let’s start things off at the end. The Pirates started off the bottom of the 11th inning with a Neil Walker single. Andrew McCutchen followed that with a four-pitch walk. Then Gaby Sanchez singled into left field to load up the bases. Russell Martin then delivered with a walk off single off the left center field wall to give the Pirates their first run of the game and the 1-0 win.

Jeff Locke continued to dazzle with 5 1/3 scoreless innings to lower his season ERA to 2.25, good for 5th best in the National League. Somehow, he was able to dance around this, also:

The Pirates now start a huge three-game series against the Reds, who are one game behind the Bucs in the NL Central standings. Wandy Rodriguez (6-2, 3.58 ERA) takes the hill Friday night against Johnny Cueto (2-0, 2.76 ERA).